This book records the story of two Cornish brothers who owned the Castle Hill sheep station for more than 25 years in the late 19th century. Extracts from letters by both brothers and paintings by Charles that they sent to their family at Enys in Cornwell give a fascinating insight into a lost way of life.

Virtually unknown to New Zealanders, this book records the story of these neglected pioneers who wrote and painted about their adventures. The paintings by Charles Enys – most now in the National Library of Australia – are matched side-by-side in the book by contemporary photographs of the same settings taken by international award-winning professional photographer, John O’Malley. Historic photographs complement the paintings, while other John O’Malley photographs feature the stunning scenery of Castle Hill.

Pioneer sheep farmers John and Charles Enys enjoyed an adventurous life. While at times busy mustering and shearing they also hunted, shed, rode and went boating. As well, they explored the hills and valleys collecting interesting specimens of rocks, fossils, moa bones, plants and insects.

This book tells of the importance of John Enys in the early Canterbury settlement. He served on many committees, including the Selwyn County Council and the Canterbury Provincial Council. He shared an interest in nature with Julius von Haast, and was involved in the founding of the Canterbury Museum and the public library. He was a great collector of species and wrote academic papers about them.

Charles sketched and painted the views around their home and neighbouring homesteads, such as Craigieburn, Grasmere, Cora Lynn and Mt White. His paintings included landscape features such as waterfalls, mountains, rivers, lakes and the limestone rocks characteristic of Castle Hill.